Paris (AFP) Kevin Gameiro marked his first international start in almost five years with a brace as France came from behind to beat Bulgaria 4-1 and kick-start their World Cup qualifying campaign on Friday.

On their first outing at the Stade de France since losing the Euro 2016 final to Portugal in July, France fell behind to an early Mihail Aleksandrov penalty but Atletico Madrid striker Gameiro not part of the European Championship squad got the equaliser.

Paris (AFP) Kevin Gameiro marked his first international start in almost five years with a brace as France came from behind to beat Bulgaria 4-1 and kick-start their World Cup qualifying campaign on Friday.

On their first outing at the Stade de France since losing the Euro 2016 final to Portugal in July, France fell behind to an early Mihail Aleksandrov penalty but Atletico Madrid striker Gameiro not part of the European Championship squad got the equaliser.

Paris (AFP) African football chief Issa Hayatou blamed "a lack of infrastructure" for the 16-team Africa Cup of Nations tournament failing to mirror the expansion of the European Championship, he told RFI on Friday.

"If there was no handicap originating from infrastructure we would have gone to 24 teams," said Hayatou, the long-serving president of the Confederation of African Football (CAF).

Milan (AFP) Italy defender Leonardo Bonucci expects a "more motivated" Spain to come seeking revenge for their early exit at Euro 2016 when the sides meet in a mouthwatering 2018 World Cup qualifier in Turin on Thursday.

Italy host 'La Roja' at Juventus Stadium in what is their first meeting since Spain's 2-0 last-16 defeat to the Azzurri at the Stade de France in June ended their hopes of a record third consecutive European Championship crown.

Milan (AFP) Italy defender Leonardo Bonucci expects a "more motivated" Spain to come seeking revenge for their early exit at Euro 2016 when the sides meet in a mouthwatering 2018 World Cup qualifier in Turin on Thursday.

Italy host 'La Roja' at Juventus Stadium in what is their first meeting since Spain's 2-0 last-16 defeat to the Azzurri at the Stade de France in June ended their hopes of a record third consecutive European Championship crown.

After scoring on his Man Utd debut, his Premier League debut and his England senior team debut, Marcus Rashford netted a superb hat-trick in his first ever game with the Three Lions' U21 side in Colchester on Tuesday night.

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Gareth Southgate started Rashford up front in the European Championship qualifier against Norway and the 18-year-old didn't disappoint, netting on 29, 65 and 71 minutes as the England youngsters battered the visitors.

Which Arsenal players can we expect to see at the Euros? By AH As we approach the final week of this seasons Barclays Premier League, Arsenal fans must certainly disappointed with how things panned out. Although it could have been so much better for the Gunners, with the rest of the usual top four blowing [.

Euro2016 is ahead of us, and, as always people keep talking about the favorites, about the best players. You will hear a lot of people claiming that it is obvious that the Germans will win the competition, or that England, Germany, Spain, France, Belgium and Italy will make it to the semi-finals. In this article we will take a look at the teams that might cause and upset and surprise everyone.

Euro2016 is ahead of us, and, as always people keep talking about the favorites, about the best players. You will hear a lot of people claiming that it is obvious that the Germans will win the competition, or that England, Germany, Spain, France, Belgium and Italy will make it to the semi-finals. In this article we will take a look at the teams that might cause and upset and surprise everyone.

England and Wales will meet at Euro 2016 after Saturday's draw in Paris for next year's 24-team finals paired them together in Group B, while world champions Germany can look forward to meeting neighbors Poland.

The British rivals were drawn alongside Fabio Capello's former team Russia and tournament debutants Slovakia, and will meet each other in their second match in the northern city of Lens on June 16.

England and Wales will meet at Euro 2016 after Saturday's draw in Paris for next year's 24-team finals paired them together in Group B, while world champions Germany can look forward to meeting neighbors Poland.

The British rivals were drawn alongside Fabio Capello's former team Russia and tournament debutants Slovakia, and will meet each other in their second match in the northern city of Lens on June 16.

The draw for Euro 2016 is upon us, featuring the most number of teams competing in the tournament (24) compared to the previous 16 from 1996 onwards.

If you live in the United States and you want to watch the draw live, you can via TV and/or streaming. Here are all of the details you need:

What: Draw for the UEFA Euro 2016 tournament (to be held in France next summer)When: Coverage of the draw begins at Noon ET / 9am PT, Saturday, December 12Where: Live on ESPN2 and ESPN DeportesStreaming: Live on ESPN3.

The draw for Euro 2016 is upon us, featuring the most number of teams competing in the tournament (24) compared to the previous 16 from 1996 onwards.

If you live in the United States and you want to watch the draw live, you can via TV and/or streaming. Here are all of the details you need:

What: Draw for the UEFA Euro 2016 tournament (to be held in France next summer)When: Coverage of the draw begins at Noon ET / 9am PT, Saturday, December 12Where: Live on ESPN2 and ESPN DeportesStreaming: Live on ESPN3.

Horrible terrorist attacks create fear, and the recent attack in Paris has swept fear over Europe, and not least over football, as the Stade de France was also targeted in the last attack. Tonight, Germany-Netherlands was cancelled in Hannover due to a credible terrorist threat. Can France really hold a European Championship where they guarantee security?

Sixty-seven international games will beshownlive across televisions and the Internet to viewers across the United Statesin the next week featuring must-see games including the CONCACAF Cup (USA-Mexico), Round 1 of World Cup qualifiers from South America, and the final two matches in Euro 2016 qualifying as several nations are on the precipice of qualifying for the tournament to be played next summer.

Sixty-seven international games will beshownlive across televisions and the Internet to viewers across the United Statesin the next week featuring must-see games including the CONCACAF Cup (USA-Mexico), Round 1 of World Cup qualifiers from South America, and the final two matches in Euro 2016 qualifying as several nations are on the precipice of qualifying for the tournament to be played next summer.

So Guus Hiddink has resigned as the Netherlands coach and it should come as little shock to anyone. The former Real Madrid and Chelsea manager endured a torrid time in charge of his home nation since taking the job in July 2014.

In his first match back in the hot seat he saw his side lose 2-0 to Italy in a friendly, but it is the Netherlands devastatingly poor form in the Euro 2016 qualifiers which would ultimately force Hiddink's hand.

So Guus Hiddink has resigned as the Netherlands coach and it should come as little shock to anyone. The former Real Madrid and Chelsea manager endured a torrid time in charge of his home nation since taking the job in July 2014.

In his first match back in the hot seat he saw his side lose 2-0 to Italy in a friendly, but it is the Netherlands devastatingly poor form in the Euro 2016 qualifiers which would ultimately force Hiddink's hand.

Three years ago, I drove across the United Kingdom just to see a soccer match. Stupidly I had planned a vacation during an international break and the one exciting match occurring in the U.K. during that time was the Wales versus Scotland World Cup qualifier. Both countries were languishing near the bottom of their group, but inspired by the intersectional rivalry, I joined the Wales FA and purchased a ticket to sit across from the Wales bench, next to the supporters' group.

Three years ago, I drove across the United Kingdom just to see a soccer match. Stupidly I had planned a vacation during an international break and the one exciting match occurring in the U.K. during that time was the Wales versus Scotland World Cup qualifier. Both countries were languishing near the bottom of their group, but inspired by the intersectional rivalry, I joined the Wales FA and purchased a ticket to sit across from the Wales bench, next to the supporters' group.

With the Euros expanded to 24 for the next tournament in France, this was the cue for many to call out qualifying for the tournament, with some calling it "academic" and "boring". To the surprise of so many, not only has it not been boring, it's been intensely captivating. The stories emerging as Europe's middle class gets its long due chance at making it to a tournament they'd otherwise have little hope of getting too has created some fascinating storylines.

With the Euros expanded to 24 for the next tournament in France, this was the cue for many to call out qualifying for the tournament, with some calling it "academic" and "boring". To the surprise of so many, not only has it not been boring, it's been intensely captivating. The stories emerging as Europe's middle class gets its long due chance at making it to a tournament they'd otherwise have little hope of getting too has created some fascinating storylines.

According to Real Madrid's club doctors, midfielder Luka Modric sustained a torn left proximal rectus femoris tendon (thetendon to the top of the muscle near his hip) and will be out of action for between three and four months.

The setback occurred during Croatia'sEuro 2016 qualifier against Italy yesterday.

The hits just keep coming for Manchester United manager Louis van Gaal.

Earlier this weekend it was learned that goalkeeper David De Gea had dislocated a finger while training with Spain. Now it is understood that midfielder Daley Blind has been sidelined for between four to six weeks with suspected knee ligament damage.

So much of the discussion regarding ESPN's coverage of the 2014 FIFA World Cup has been centered around what a magnificent job the network has done, but the fear of what's going to happen after ESPN hands over the rights to FOX Sports, which effectively happens after the World Cup coverage ends on Sunday night.

20 out of 24 nations are ready for the 2016 European Championship in France. Despite the fact that I am those who think that a European Championship of 24 teams is way too much, I cannot help but notice some notable newcomers among the 20 nations, some of which would even have qualified with 16 nations, showing what is perhaps a power shift going on in European football: Group A: The Czech

Throughout the history of soccer, there have been many shocks. Despite this, no underdog side has ever pulled off such an upset at an international tournament. Greece pulled off the impossible in 2004, winning a competition in which they were completely unfancied, with all odds up against them. Over a decade later, they are still well-remembered.

Throughout the history of soccer, there have been many shocks. Despite this, no underdog side has ever pulled off such an upset at an international tournament. Greece pulled off the impossible in 2004, winning a competition in which they were completely unfancied, with all odds up against them. Over a decade later, they are still well-remembered.

The Rest

Cristiano Ronaldo's hat trick led Real Madrid to the FIFA Club World Cup title on Sunday, closing out a truly incredible season for the Portuguese. With the trophy, he became the first player to ever win the Champions League, European Championship, Club World Cup and Ballon d'Or in a calendar year.

The veteran duo won't miss any United games while away with Costa Rica and Finland, respectively.

A pair of D.C. United veterans will leave the club after tomorrow's game against the New York Red Bulls for international duty. Alvaro Saborio has been called up by Costa Rica, while Markus Halsti will join the Finnish national team for European Championship qualifying.

In December 2012, UEFA announced that the 2020 European Championship will take place in "12 or 13" different European cities in as many countries, giving smaller soccer nations the chance to bring the European festival to their doorstep without having to shoulder the financial and logistical burdens of acting as sole or co-hosts.